• Version
• Download 2
• File Size 0.00 KB
• File Count 1
• Create Date April 1, 2024
• Last Updated July 1, 2024

Geochemical Evaluation Of Water Resources In Mbieri And Environs, Imo State, Southeastern Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Geochemical analysis of water samples collected from Mbieri and environs in Imo State of Nigeria, was conducted to evaluate the levels of physical and chemical contamination and their impacts on public health. The results reveal that the pH of the water samples analysed are all within the World Health Organisation permissible limits (ranged between 4.7 and 6.6). The conductivity and hardness values which vary between 8 and 105μs/cm, and up to 185mg/l respectively, all fall within permissible limits. Similarly, the amount of total dissolved solids (tds) in all the samples is relatively low and within permissible limit. The results also show that the values for the major cations and anions (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, , Fe2+, , SO-4, Cl- , NO-3) are generally low and within permissible limits. Sulphate concentration at the Emi stream however, falls below the recommended limit of 250 mg/l, except where reading is 263.42Mg/l, thus indicating the presence of sulphate pollutants in the streams. The Gibb’s diagram shows that majority of the water samples plotted within the precipitation dominance field, thus indicating that rainfall played a greater role in modifying the chemistry of the water resources in the area. The Piper plot reveals that Na+ - K+ - Cl- -SO4 - is the dominant hydrogeochemical facies (facie type II) and that Cl--SO4 - and NO3 - - K+ is the dominant water type (type 7 and 9 water type). This suggests possible influence of saltwater intrusion. Evidence from Water Quality Index shows that all the water resources in the area are good for drinking and industrial purposes.

Keywords: Water resources, geochemical analysis, physicochemical parameters, Gibb’s Plots; Piper diagram, Water quality index.